Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2013 The Offering checks in as a blend of 45% Grenache, 36% Syrah, 18% Mourvedre and a splash of Viognier, all of which spent 22 months in mostly neutral barrels. It’s another upfront, charming, fruit-loaded and full-bodied effort from Curt that has lots of ripe black fruits, pepper and spice on both the nose and palate. It opens up nicely with time in the glass and is a Chateauneuf du Pape look-alike to enjoy over the coming 5-6 years
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Wine Spectator
Boldly structured but still focused and balanced, with ripe black raspberry and smoky cured meat aromas and layered flavors of blackberry, grilled anise and cracked pepper. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Viognier. Drink now through 2027.
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
With a dry and mild climate cooled significantly by moist ocean fog and breezes, Santa Barbara County is a grape-grower’s dream. Part of the larger Central Coast appellation, Santa Barbara is home to Santa Maria Valley and Santa Ynez Valley. The conditions here provide an opportunity for nearly effortless production of high-quality cool-climate Central Coast wines. This is also the site of the 2004 film Sideways, which caused Pinot Noir’s popularity to skyrocket and brought new acclaim to the region.
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are the stars of Santa Barbara, producing wines marked by racy acidity. Crisp Sauvignon Blanc and savory Syrah are also important. The region is home to many young and enthusiastic winemakers eager to experiment with less common varieties including Chenin Blanc, Grüner Veltliner, Trousseau Gris, Gamay and Cabernet Franc, making it an exciting area to watch.